Push-up board exercise device

ABSTRACT

A portable exercise device having a base member and a plurality of handle grips. At least two of the handle grips are adjustable on the base member. The handle grips permit a user to exercise the chest muscles, shoulders, back, arms, and triceps of the user. The base preferably has a non-slip bottom creating a unit that will not tip over or slip.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exercise device and, moreparticularly, to a portable and versatile exercise device used tostrengthen the chest and arms of a user, the device being resistant tosliding, tipping, or falling over.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. provisional patentapplication, Serial No. MER-0103, filed Jan. 15, 2003, for EXERCISEDEVICE, and claims the priority date thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically and traditionally, a smooth and sleek upper body has beendesired by every body-conscious being. Therefore, push-ups becamepopular very early when it was realized that the effectiveness of thesemovements encouraged and developed a well muscled, toned, and sleekupper physique depicting a healthy, well-nourished individual.Sequentially, a physically fit individual has become a status symbol,indicating happiness, self-assurance, prosperity and success. Inaddition, it is believed that these attributes bring about better jobs,salaries, and longer lives.

The earliest push-ups were done by placing one's hands on a flat surfaceand pushing away to the extent of the arms to ensue the performance andoccurrence of a push up. Soon, it was apparent that a device could beinvented that would make push-ups more effective and less difficult withthe same amount of exertion. Thus began the first idea for thedevelopment of a push-up exercise device.

Since these earlier devices were first invented, there has been a needfor a unit that was sturdy, stable, and unable to tip over while in use.Preferably, the unit would also be lightweight, portable, and economicalto manufacture. Ideally, a unit that would be simple in composition withfew complicated and easily comprehended parts was also needed. Up untilnow, prior attempts did not meet these qualifications. They also did nothave the simplicity or ease of use of this device. Some of the previousattempts had some of the needed qualifications, but never were thequalities so completely combined in one unit.

The present device meets all the needed standards plus it is also easilyadjustable to enable a user to change hand positions to capture acomplete range of motion and movement allowing different muscle groupsto be exerted.

It is therefore a primary objective of the present invention to providean exercise device, which solves the inefficient push-up value problemsin the art.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an exercisedevice which is durable structurally in long-term and repetitive use.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device, whichcan be used by many different types of individuals at different levelsof fitness.

The advantages, features, and objects will become more apparent withreference to the accompanying claims and specifications.

The closest prior invention, of which the applicant is aware, is aproduct by Altus Athletic Manufacturing Company located in Altur, Okla.The device, known as Push-up Stands, consists of two separate curvedhandles, which are placed on a level surface and manipulated by pushingthe body away with the hands. These units are very unsafe, awkward, andcould cause serious injury by tipping over or sliding out from under theuser.

The present invention remedies the deficiencies of the prior art. It islightweight, portable, and versatile to accommodate individuals of manysizes, weights, and shapes. This device answers the ongoing industryneed and consumer desire for development of a unit that adjusts quicklyand easily thereby saving time and energy. It also answers the need anddesire for a simpler exercise device with the functionality of a provendesign at a lower cost. The advantages, features, and objects willbecome more apparent with reference to the accompanying claims andspecifications.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an exercise devicethat will allow a user to exercise the upper body effectively andefficiently working numerous body parts in a few easy motions.

It is another object of the invention to provide a safe and secureexercise device that will not tip or slide.

It is another object of the invention to create a portable exercisedevice, which will move and travel with the user.

It is another object of the invention to create an exercise device,which is easy and simple to use.

It is another object of the invention to create an exercise device,which is economical to produce.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an exercisedevice for exercising and developing the upper body, chest, and arms ofa user. The exercise device is constructed and arranged to be placed onthe floor and is comprised of a base having a plurality of handlesmounted thereon. The handles are arranged to provide a pair of outsidehandles or grips and a set of inside or center handles. The board of thedevice has cutout slots to provide handle adjustability and which enablethe outside handles to slide and be secured to the base. The handlegrips and the base or board can be constructed of wood, plastic, ormetal. Preferably, the bottom of the base is provided with a non-slipsurface. The placement of the handles enables the user to grab a handleon each side and work out the chest by doing a push-up or by sliding orrotating it in various positions to focus on different angles or partsof the chest and arms. The exercise device may be set on the floor infront of a user, thereby enabling the user to grab the handles and workout the chest, triceps, or other parts of the upper body by doingpush-ups or other like exercises. The exercise device is versatile,economic in construction, and easy to use. These and other benefits ofthis invention will become apparent from the following description byreference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained byreference to the accompanying drawings, when considered in conjunctionwith the subsequent, detailed description, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a push-up board in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a push-up board in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a push-up board in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a push-up board in accordance with theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a human being using the push-up board inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a human being using the push-up board inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a human being using the push-up board inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a push-up board, which shows furtheraspects of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a push-up board in accordance with theinvention.

For purposes of clarity and brevity, like elements and components willbear the same designations and numbering throughout the FIGURES.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a push-up board 10 in accordance withthe invention, which has a base 11. base 11 has four aligned, oblong,and parallel adjustment slots, first slot 12, second slot 13, third slot14, and fourth slot 15. Further a fifth hand grip 23, a second hand grip17, a third hand grip 18, and sixth hand grip 24 are shown mountedgenerally in the center of the base 11. The base 11 is a generallyrectangular board, approximately 36 inches long, 8 inches wide andconstructed of wood, plastic, metal, fiberglass, laminates, composites,like material or combinations thereof.

The first hand grip 16 and fourth hand grip 19 are adjustably mounted tothe base 11. Each handle end may have a screw or bolt 22 with a washer21 which permits the first hand grip 16 and fourth hand grip 19 to beadjusted by means of a first slot 12, second slot 13, third slot 14 orfourth slot 15. Specifically, the screws or bolt 22 extend through therespective slot.and may be slid along the length of the first slot 12,second slot 13, third slot 14, or fourth slot 15 to space and secure thefirst hand grip 16 and the fourth hand grip 19 with respect to base 11.Other adjustment means well known in the art may be utilized to adjustand secure the handles, however.

The fifth hand grip 23, sixth hand grip 24, and second hand grip 17 andthird hand grip 18 are permanently secured to the base 11. The fifthhand grip 23, sixth hand grip 24, and second hand grip 17 and third handgrip 18 may be fixed by any known fastening means, i.e. via screws,bolts, adhesive and the like, and may be constructed of rigid materialssuch as plastic, wood, metal, fiberglass, laminates, composites, likematerial or combinations thereof. These center hand grips may all beattached in different sizes and shapes or the push-up board 10 may beconstructed with only one center hand grip.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the exercise device. This figure shows furtheraspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a botttom view of the invention showing further aspects of theinvention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the underside of the base 11 has a bottom 20 coveredby or formed of rubber or other non-slip surface, to provide stabilityto the push-up board 10 during use.

FIGS. 5-7 show the push-up board 10 in use by a user 25. The first handgrip 16 and fourth hand grip 19 of push-up board 10 are initiallyadjusted to suit the size and exercise regimen of the user 25.

In FIG. 5 the user 25 is in the push-up position with his left hand 27and right hand 26 grasping first hand grip 16 and fourth hand grip 19.

In FIG. 6, the user 25 is in a downward position, ready to assume thestart position of FIG. 5. This exercise strengthens the upper body ofthe user 25, the chest, shoulders, and upper arms and hands.

In FIG. 7, the user 25 is utilizing the second hand grip 17 and thirdhand grip 18 to thereby exercise the right arm triceps 28 and left armtriceps 29. The up and down position of the user 25 is similar to thatpreviously described.

FIG. 8 shows further aspects of the invention regarding the makeup anduse of the push-up board 10. Further, fifth hand grip 23 and sixth handgrip 24 are shown. The sixth hand grip 24 is an elongated handle or gripmember which enables both hands to be placed thereabout. The fifth handgrip 23 (FIGS. 8, 9) is a unitary structure, which allows the hands ofthe user 25 to be placed adjacent to each other on separate hand gripareas. The second hand grip 17 and the third hand grip 18 FIGS. 5, 6, 7)are an alternative to the fifth hand grip 23 which also allows the handsof the user 25 to be placed adjacent to each other on separate hand gripareas.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the exercise board showing furtheraspects of the invention.

The push-up board 10 of the present invention is a portable andversatile exercise apparatus, which is easily manufactured and easilyused. The board is adjustable to enable the user 25 to accommodate thewidth of the user's grip and to move the handles to exercise specificbody and arm muscles. Although the handles or grip members areadjustable in the preferred embodiment, the board may be constructedwith stationary handle or grip members and the base 11 may beconstructed of any length and width to accommodate user 25 size andexercise regimens.

As many changes are possible to the push-up board 10 embodiments of thisinvention, utilizing the teachings thereof, the description above andthe accompanying drawings should be interpreted in the illustrative andnot a limiting sense.

Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operatingrequirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in theart, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen forpurposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications whichdo not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of thisinvention.

Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected byLetters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.

1. A push-up board exercise device for exercising and developing theupper body, chest and arms of a user comprising: means for providingstability and connection point for all components; means for allowing auser to grip the exercise board at the edge, rigidly connected to saidmeans for providing stability and connection point for all components;and means for allowing a user to grip the exercise device in the middlethereof, rigidly connected to said means for providing stability andconnection point for all components.
 2. The push-up board exercisedevice in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means for providingstability and connection point for all components comprises a rigid,slotted base, having a non-slip stable bottom.
 3. The push-up boardexercise device in accordance with claim 1, wherein said means forallowing a user to grip the exercise board at the edge comprises arigid, outer first hand grip.
 4. The push-up board exercise device inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said means for allowing a user to gripthe exercise device in the middle thereof comprises a rigid, smallsecond hand grip.
 5. A push-up board exercise device for exercising anddeveloping the upper body, chest and arms of a user comprising: a rigid,slotted base, having a non-slip stable bottom, for providing stabilityand connection point for all components; a rigid, outer first hand grip,for allowing a user to grip the exercise board at the edge, rigidlyconnected to said base; and a rigid, small second hand grip, forallowing a user to grip the exercise device in the middle thereof,rigidly connected to said base.
 6. The push-up board exercise device asrecited in claim 5, further comprising: a rigid, small third hand grip,for allowing a user to grip the exercise device in the middle thereof,rigidly connected to said base.
 7. The push-up board exercise device asrecited in claim 5, further comprising: a rigid, outer fourth hand grip,for allowing a user to grip the exercise board at the edge, rigidlyconnected to said base.
 8. The push-up board exercise device as recitedin claim 5, further comprising: a rigid, middle, segmented fifth handgrip, for allowing a user to grip the exercise board near the middle ofthe base, rigidly connected to said base.
 9. The push-up board exercisedevice as recited in claim 5, further comprising: a rigid, middle, barsixth hand grip, for providing a means to enable a user to grip theexercise device near the middle of the base, rigidly connected to saidbase.
 10. The push-up board exercise device as recited in claim 6,further comprising: a rigid, outer fourth hand grip, for allowing a userto grip the exercise board at the edge, rigidly connected to said base.11. The push-up board exercise device as recited in claim 6, furthercomprising: a rigid, middle, segmented fifth hand grip, for allowing auser to grip the exercise board near the middle of the base, rigidlyconnected to said base.
 12. The push-up board exercise device as recitedin claim 6, further comprising: a rigid, middle, bar sixth hand grip,for providing a means to enable a user to grip the exercise device nearthe middle of the base, rigidly connected to said base.
 13. The push-upboard exercise device as recited in claim 7, further comprising: arigid, middle, segmented fifth hand grip, for allowing a user to gripthe exercise board near the middle of the base, rigidly connected tosaid base.
 14. The push-up board exercise device as recited in claim 7,further comprising: a rigid, middle, bar sixth hand grip, for providinga means to enable a user to grip the exercise device near the middle ofthe base, rigidly connected to said base.
 15. The push-up board exercisedevice as recited in claim 8, further comprising: a rigid, middle, barsixth hand grip, for providing a means to enable a user to grip theexercise device near the middle of the base, rigidly connected to saidbase.
 16. The push-up board exercise device as recited in claim 10,further comprising: a rigid, middle, segmented fifth hand grip, forallowing a user to grip the exercise board near the middle of the base,rigidly connected to said base.
 17. The push-up board exercise device asrecited in claim 10, further comprising: a rigid, middle, bar sixth handgrip, for providing a means to enable a user to grip the exercise devicenear the middle of the base, rigidly connected to said base.
 18. Thepush-up board exercise device as recited in claim 11, furthercomprising: a rigid, middle, bar sixth hand grip, for providing a meansto enable a user to grip the exercise device near the middle of thebase, rigidly connected to said base.
 19. The push-up board exercisedevice as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a rigid, middle, barsixth hand grip, for providing a means to enable a user to grip theexercise device near the middle of the base, rigidly connected to saidbase.
 20. The push-up board exercise device as recited in claim 16,further comprising: a rigid, middle, bar sixth hand grip, for providinga means to enable a user to grip the exercise device near the middle ofthe base, rigidly connected to said base.
 21. A push-up board exercisedevice for exercising and developing the upper body, chest and arms of auser comprising: a rigid, slotted base, having a non-slip stable bottom,for providing stability and connection point for all components; arigid, outer first hand grip, for allowing a user to grip the exerciseboard at the edge, rigidly connected to said base; a rigid, small secondhand grip, for allowing a user to grip the exercise device in the middlethereof, rigidly connected to said base; a rigid, small third hand grip,for allowing a user to grip the exercise device in the middle thereof,rigidly connected to said base; a rigid, outer fourth hand grip, forallowing a user to grip the exercise board at the edge, rigidlyconnected to said base; a rigid, middle, segmented fifth hand grip, forallowing a user to grip the exercise board near the middle of the base,rigidly connected to said base; and a rigid, middle, bar sixth handgrip, for providing a means to enable a user to grip the exercise devicenear the middle of the base, rigidly connected to said base.